Chapter 380 I Will Follow You
"Father, now that Sister Yun is gone, it will be difficult for me to see her in the future."
Jun Litang sat on a chair in the corridor, looking at Shangguan Yun talking to Shangguan Qi in the distance, and sighed softly.
Beside her, a stone-blue figure stood, his body as straight as a pine tree.
"I know you can't bear to leave your sister Yun, but she wants to go back to her loved ones. Of course we have to help her. You also want her to be happy, right?"
Prince Gong raised his hand and stroked Jun Litang's head. "If you want friends, there are so many girls in Sixian Hall. Are you afraid that you can't make friends that suit your taste? Don't hold on to your sister Yun. From now on, you must study hard. Your handwriting is as bad as a dog's. I don't think your father can bear to see it."
"How can it be like a dog crawling? It's just a little crooked!"
Being criticized by her own father for her ugly handwriting, Jun Litang immediately frowned and puffed up her cheeks, "Ms. Liu said that my handwriting has improved."
"Okay, okay, then try to improve a little bit every day. Father believes that calligraphy will not be difficult for you. I heard that Sixian Hall holds a school-wide exam every three months. The first place in each item will be rewarded by the school, and the first place in the overall score will receive a treasure personally bestowed by the King of Binjian. Just think about it, what a scene that will attract everyone's attention? Everyone's eyes will be focused on you."
Jun Litang curled his lips when he heard this, "It's too difficult to compete with so many people for first place, right?"
"Then pick something you are good at and take first place, or top three will be fine. You are the only child your father has, so can you bring some glory to me? If you can get good grades, your sister Yun will be happy for you when she comes to see you next time."
Seeing Prince Gong looking at him expectantly, Jun Litang nodded solemnly, "Okay, I'll try my best."
"Tang'er is really sensible. Then father will wait for your good news."
…
In the afternoon, the sun is shining brightly.
In the backyard of Ruihe Hall, Jiang Rumin leaned against the window, stroking the medical book in his hand in a trance.
Thinking back to the marriage proposal that Song Yunchu had brought up with her yesterday, she felt a little uneasy.
Let Shangguan Qi come to Tianqi Country to follow her...is it really possible?
In her understanding, marriages were always between princes and princesses. Was there any precedent for a prince living in the woman's country after marriage?
Which prince would be willing to make such a concession?
Although Shangguan Qi once said that everyone has their own ambitions and his ambition is not to be the emperor, but that was only his current thought. People's minds may not remain unchanged. She herself is a person who values fame, wealth and status, so how can she force the other party to sacrifice his interests for her.
But if Shangguan Qi really agreed...
Then she would certainly not let him down!
"Princess, you have been turning this page for a long time."
Shaoyao's words rang in my ears, "Is it because you have something on your mind that you can't concentrate on reading?"
Jiang Rumin turned around upon hearing the voice, and seeing Shaoyao's smile, she gently scolded him, "You dare to tease me, girl? Are you too idle to do anything? Go to the kitchen and make two plates of snacks for me!"
"Okay, okay, I'll go right away."
The two were talking and laughing when Yingchun trotted in from the front yard and reported to Jiang Rumin: "Princess, His Royal Highness Prince Qi wants to see you!"
Jiang Rumin raised her head. Although her heart was in turmoil, her expression remained calm. "Please let him in."
Yingchun went out and brought Shangguan Qi in soon.
Seeing the person he had been missing for a long time, Shangguan Qi quickened his pace. He walked to the table and stood still. When his eyes met Jiang Rumin's, he saw the calmness in her eyes, and a sense of loss welled up in his heart.
Rumin's reaction... was calmer than he had imagined.
After not seeing him for so long, did she miss him a little bit?
Even if he missed her only one-tenth or twelve times as much as he did, it would be fine.
Shaoyao and Yingchun left silently, leaving the spacious backyard for the two to talk.
The two were silent for a while, and Shangguan Qi finally spoke first, "Rumin, long time no see, is everything okay?"
"I'm fine. I've been named a princess and everything is going well. But you seem to have lost some weight."
Jiang Rumin was reluctant to show too much emotional fluctuation.
Long before Shangguan Qi came in, she had been thinking that if Yun Chu's proposal could not be realized, Shangguan Qi and she would eventually have to separate. Since this had already been envisioned, why bother to show her deep affection?
It is better to be calm and not leave hope for each other.
If you don't make a decision when you should, you will suffer the consequences.
"Because there is someone in my heart that I can't let go, I am getting thinner day by day." Shangguan Qi stared at the person sitting opposite him, and he had already prepared his words in his mind.
Perhaps because of the long separation, Rumin's feelings for him have faded, or maybe because of some bad experiences in the past, she finds it difficult to trust people and has no enthusiasm for emotional matters, but no matter what, the opportunity to be with her is right in front of him, and he must seize it.
If he misses it, he will regret it for the rest of his life.
"When we parted, I told you that I have you in my heart and I just hope you live well. Even if we can't be together, I will pray that you will live a safe and smooth life."
"Although I said this in a casual manner, I am sad in my heart. Rumin, you definitely don't know how much I missed you after we parted."
"But maybe I won't have to suffer from lovesickness anymore. Prince Ning has provided a good solution. Has she told you about it? The marriage between A'an and Prince Gong is over. I will take over A'an's place and maintain the marriage between Beichen and Tianqi."
After hearing Shangguan Qi say this, the calmness in Jiang Rumin's eyes finally showed a crack. She locked her eyes on Shangguan Qi's face without blinking, as if she wanted to see all his emotions clearly.
If he had any reluctance...
"Prince Ning's original words were that the princess and the prince were both born rich and noble. Since they have accepted the benefits of their status, they should contribute to their country. I think this is very reasonable. If you and I can finally become a couple because of this, it will be my blessing."
"I will neither let down Beichen Country's cultivation of me, nor let down my feelings for you."
"Rumin, I am willing to stay in Tianqi Country and follow you. I will never deceive you or let you down in this life. If I let you down in the future, it will be easy for you to deal with me."
"Then—will you accept my offer and let me be your shire horse?"
Shangguan Qi looked straight at Jiang Rumin, with a slight curve at the corner of his lips.
Jiang Rumin listened to him pour out his heart and finally stopped pretending to be calm. The hidden affection spread from her eyes. She raised her hand and covered the back of his hand. At this moment, there seemed to be countless words in her heart, but she didn't know where to start. In the end, it turned into a promise -
"Youzhi, I will never let you down."
Shangguan Qi saw all the changes in her emotions and was extremely delighted.
It turned out that Rumin's feelings for him were not as weak as he had imagined.
The reason why she acted calm and composed just now was that she was waiting for his statement. If he felt reluctant, she would definitely not keep him. She would only be happy if he willingly said that he wanted to follow her.
After figuring this out, Shangguan Qiyi held her hand tightly and said softly -
"Then from now on, I will ask for your guidance, my lord."
…
The next day.
After Shangguan Qian and Shangguan Qi had breakfast, they went to the palace again to meet the emperor.
The two brothers were led by the palace maid to Tingyu Pavilion and waited for a long time, until Jun Liluo and Song Yunchu finished their court session, and then the palace maid led them to the imperial study.
"Regarding your country's request for troops, I have discussed this with Prince Ning and the ministers."
Behind the imperial case, Jun Li Luo looked at the two people in front of him and spoke slowly, "Prince Ning believes that our dynasty should not turn a blind eye to the difficulties of friendly countries and should provide assistance. However, the ministers believe that our dynasty has just experienced the rebellion of two princes, and lost a lot of troops during this period, so we should rest and recuperate. If we send troops to aid Beichen Kingdom in the near future... it seems to be of no benefit to our dynasty."
As Jun Liluo spoke, his eyes seemed to reveal a hint of embarrassment.
How could Shangguan Qian not understand the hidden meaning of his words?
Although the Tianqi Kingdom had experienced two rebellions, as far as he knew, the two rebellions did not last long. Although he was not sure how many people were killed during this period, but - as the rebels were defeated so quickly, there would definitely not be serious losses of troops.
Moreover, he had heard rumors that Prince Ning was wise and had seen through the rebels' purpose early on. He made arrangements that led to the capture of the rebels without causing any harm to the emperor.
The Emperor of Tianqi told him that the loss of troops made it difficult, in order to get him to promise to give Tianqi a certain amount of compensation as a thank you later.
Shangguan Qian was no stranger to this process, and he responded quickly, "If Your Majesty is willing to send 20,000 elite soldiers to help us capture the twelve border cities of Cangwu Country, we are willing to give 30% of the spoils to your country as a reward."
Jun Li Luo remained silent, seemingly thinking about something.
Shangguan Qian saw that his expression was calm and for a moment he couldn't figure out what he was thinking.
Beichen State sent out 50,000 troops, borrowed 20,000 troops from Tianqi, and gave away 30% of the spoils, which was really not a small amount.
“Forty percent.”
Song Yunchu, who was standing by, suddenly said, "Forty percent is reasonable."
Shangguan Qian frowned slightly when he heard this, but when he thought that he was asking for help, his expression softened and he tried to speak in a calm tone, "Your Highness Prince Ning..."
"Our troops are stronger than yours." Song Yunchu's voice was as clear and cold as the sound of jade. "Tianqi is rich in war horses. This is known to all countries. Beichen has been exchanging silk and spices for horses with us every year. Has Your Highness forgotten this?"
"Our ancestors once said that if we want to expand our territory, we must conquer the world on horseback. The soldiers of Tianqi have been riding horses since they were young, and they can tame even the most fierce horses. Beichen, as a friendly country, should also know this. Otherwise, why don't you have more elite soldiers than us? Our 20,000 soldiers and horses can roughly match your 25,000 people. Moreover, Tianqi has experienced countless battles of all sizes over the years, and our generals are slightly better than you in commanding battles."
Shangguan Qian was speechless for a moment.
Song Yunchu's words made him feel unhappy, but it was difficult for him to refute.
Tianqi's horses are indeed excellent, otherwise Tianqi would not be so rich.
Seeing Shangguan Qian didn't answer, Jun Liluo spoke up, "It seems that you have wasted your words, Yunchu. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is obviously not happy about it. In this case, we don't need to force it. The old ministers don't want Tianqi to get involved in this matter. But then again, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is a guest from afar, and it wouldn't look good to return empty-handed."
"How about this, Your Highness, I will give Beichen a hundred fine horses as a gift to our friendly country."
Shangguan Qian's expression changed slightly.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince hasn't answered yet. You're refusing right away. That's a bit too cold."
Song Yunchu said something to Jun Liluo, then stood up from behind the desk and came to Shangguan Qian, "Your Highness, you should know clearly whether I have boasted about the troops of Tianqi Kingdom."
"Your Highness the Crown Prince should also understand the king and His Majesty. We need to give an explanation to the ministers, especially the old ministers. They are good at analyzing the pros and cons. If they knew that Tianqi borrowed troops and did not get the benefits it deserved, I am afraid they would blame the king and His Majesty for not considering it carefully."
"That's all I have to say. If Your Highness still thinks we are asking for too much, then we have nothing to say."
Shangguan Qian took a deep breath and finally compromised. "Your Highness Prince Ning has thought it through. It was me who didn't think it through at the beginning. Then let's do as Your Highness said. 20,000 soldiers and horses in exchange for 40% of the spoils. Let's sign the contract and there will be no regrets."
Forty percent... was also the result that my father had expected.
For my father, it is imperative to attack the Cangwu Kingdom. The spoils of war are important, but the most important thing is to take the opportunity to vent the anger that has been accumulating in his heart for a long time.
When he said 30% at the beginning, it was just a good result he anticipated. He guessed that Tianqi might be dissatisfied, but he did not expect that Prince Ning would echo the emperor and make reasonable and well-founded arguments.
Of course he had to agree. If he continued to haggle with Tianqi, it would be bad if the relationship was lost.
Shangguan Qian's compromise made Song Yunchu smile, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is sensible."
When Shangguan Qian saw her victorious attitude, he did not feel aggrieved. Instead, he felt more admiration for the person in front of him.
This woman... is more courageous than the rumors say.
During the negotiation, he was clear and unyielding, with an arrogant and cold look. After the deal was concluded, he smiled calmly and politely, with a friendly and kind face.
She is really a smiling tiger...but I have to say, she looks really beautiful when she smiles.
He didn't like arrogant and domineering personalities, but for some reason, he didn't feel repulsed when he saw such a personality in Song Yunchu.
Maybe it's because she is really strong enough?
It turns out that what he disliked was not arrogant people, but people who were arrogant but incompetent. If the other person was a wise and strong person, it was understandable that he was a little arrogant.
Thinking of this, the corners of his lips curled up slightly.
Behind the imperial desk, Jun Liluo noticed the change in Shangguan Qian's expression and his eyes darkened.
At the same time, Song Yunchu heard his inner voice.
[What are you looking at? Don’t you have a wife? ]
[A married man who doesn't know how to take care of his eyes should donate his eyes to those in need. ]
[That’s all… He’s not as handsome as me, nor as tall as me, so Yun Chu must be too lazy to take a closer look at him.]
Song Yunchu turned around silently and asked Manager Li to grind the ink.
Jun Liluo drafted the contract without changing his expression, signed it together with Shangguan Qian, and pressed his fingerprints.
Shangguan Qian said: "On behalf of Beichen Country, I would like to thank Tianqi for his help."
Jun Liluo said: "As a friendly country, this is how it should be."
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